novellhall Chapter 51 Brokerage Contract
Chapter 51 Brokerage Contract
Chen Xun and Li Suyan thoroughly enjoyed their Korean beef meal.
This little girl has amazing fighting power!
While stuffing a piece of evenly marbled pork belly into his mouth, he continued to analyze his facial expressions on set, acting like a top student from a directing department.
When Chen Xun looked at the bill at checkout, he felt a pang of pain, but thinking of the six-figure balance in his account, he straightened his back again.
Isn't the point of making money to spend it?
Back in Beverly Hills, Christine hadn't returned yet, and Emma texted to say she had a dinner party to attend.
Chen Xun was happy to have some peace and quiet.
He took a shower and was just about to study the scripts Rob had sent when his phone rang.
The caller ID showed it was Rob.
"Hey, Rob."
"Chen! The audition for Thor has been moved up!"
Rob's voice was filled with excitement: "It was originally scheduled for the week after next, but now it's been moved to three days from now!"
Chen Xun's heart tightened, yet he felt a surge of anticipation: "So fast? What's going on?"
"I'm not sure. It could be a change in the production schedule, or a change in other candidates. That's the norm in Hollywood; plans can't keep up with changes."
Robert speaks very fast:
"That's a good thing, it saves you from waiting anxiously for too long, and it also gives me a reason to talk to you about some serious matters!"
"Is it serious business?"
"Yes, a brokerage contract."
Rob's tone became more formal:
"We had a verbal agreement before: I'd act as your go-between, and you'd give me a referral fee, as is customary in the industry!"
"But things are different now! You've gained traffic and recognition!"
He paused, then continued:
"I'm getting more and more offers, and the level of engagement is getting higher. We need a formal and secure working relationship. I need a legitimate reason to negotiate for you and get better terms and pay!"
"We can't rely on personal relationships and verbal agreements all the time; that's unprofessional and prone to problems."
Chen Xun walked to the window and looked at the deep night outside.
Robert is right.
He used to be a nobody, and Robert would lend a hand and get a small fee for his help, so everyone could relax.
Now that he's practically stepped into the door, he definitely needs a professional agent to manage his affairs and mitigate risks.
"What suggestions do you have?" Chen asked.
"I can send you the standard SAG-AFTRA brokerage contract template."
Robert put it very directly:
"The industry standard commission rate is 10%, but I can offer you some better terms for newcomers. Initially, we'll only take 8%, and once your salary reaches a certain level, we'll adjust it back to 10%!"
"Let's sign a one-year contract first. If the collaboration goes well, we can renew it! I will be mainly responsible for connecting you with film and television projects, negotiating contracts, and providing career planning advice."
This offer does sound very sincere.
10% is the industry standard, and Rob voluntarily lowered it to 8%, which is quite considerate of him.
A one-year contract period isn't long, and you can easily move in or out.
"I need to see the contract details."
Chen Xun did not agree immediately.
Favorability is one thing, business is another.
"Of course! I'll send the contract to your email right away. Have a lawyer take a look!"
Robert readily agreed: "But Chen, you need to decide quickly!"
"With your Thor audition just around the corner, I need to quickly communicate with Marvel's casting department as your official agent to understand the more specific audition requirements and even try to secure better audition scenes for you!"
"Without a proper name, words lack authority, and many things are difficult to say!"
He understood what Robert meant; time was of the essence.
I'll give you an answer tomorrow!
"OK, as soon as possible. By the way, you should also hurry up and prepare for the audition. Director Branagh is personally overseeing it, so the competition is bound to be fierce."
Robert gave a few more instructions before hanging up the phone.
Chen Xun put down his phone, turned on his computer, and found Robert's email already in his inbox.
The attached document is the brokerage contract.
He downloaded it and skimmed through it. The terms did look fairly standard, highlighting Rob's promised 8% commission and the one-year term.
However, he is not a legal professional, so he couldn't see some of the wording and potential risks.
Let Christine help me find someone to take a look when she gets back!
He forwarded the contract to his assistant Emma's email address.
After dealing with all that, he finally calmed down and began to study the known information about Thor.
Fandral, the Warriors Three of Asgard...
Agile, skilled in swordsmanship, aristocratic air, and a touch of humor!
He recalled director Branagh's description and searched online for pictures and scattered information about the comic's prototype.
He started thinking about how to play a warrior from Asgard.
The physical attributes like [Power Generation] and [Control] that I picked up before probably won't be enough!
I need to find an opportunity to get involved in fencing or similar training!
Just as he was staring blankly at a few blurry cartoon character images he found online, Christine returned.
Reeking of alcohol and perfume, she kicked off her high heels, walked over barefoot, and hugged Chen Xun, who was sitting in front of the computer, from behind, resting her chin on his shoulder.
"What are you looking at so intently?"
Her voice sounded a little tired, but her tone was relaxed.
"Looking at the information for 'Thor,' the audition has been moved up!"
Chen Xun turned his head and nuzzled her cheek.
"Wow, is it good news or bad news?"
"It's hard to say, time is a bit tight."
Chen Xun spoke the truth.
Christine glanced at the Asgardian warriors on the computer screen and raised an eyebrow:
"You and Fandral's image are quite compatible! Don't worry, since Director Branagh personally invited you, it means he thinks highly of you. Just be well-prepared."
She straightened up and stretched:
"Do you need me to help you with your lines? Although I don't know the specific audition content either."
"Let's talk about it once we get the specific footage!"
Chen Xun shut down his computer: "Robert just contacted me to discuss a formal agency contract."
Christine went to the minibar and poured herself a glass of water, nodding in agreement.
"They should have signed him a long time ago! Rob is a good guy with a lot of connections in the assistant director circle, and his transition to becoming an agent has been quite successful."
"How are the conditions?"
"8% commission, one-year contract."
"8%?"
Christine raised an eyebrow:
"That's impressive! He's investing heavily in the future! My first agent took 10% of my earnings without hesitation!"
She took a sip of water: "Find a lawyer to review the contract. If there are no problems, sign it. Having an agent and not having an agent make a world of difference in Hollywood!"
It seems everyone thinks that way!
Chen Xun took the opportunity to tell Christine that the contract had already been sent to Emma!
Christine gave her a sweet kiss.
Chen Xun's trust clearly touched her deeply!
Early the next morning.
Chen Xun received a reply from Emma.
The attached document includes a marked version of the contract, explaining a few clauses that require attention. Overall, the contract is considered very beneficial to newcomers, and the risks are manageable.
After reading the analysis, Chen Xun felt more confident.
He called Rob.
"Robert, I've reviewed the contract, and there are no problems!"
Robert on the other end of the phone visibly relaxed, and his tone became even more enthusiastic:
"Great! Chen, believe me, this is a win-win situation!"
"I'll print out the official version right away, we'll sign it as soon as possible, and then I'll officially contact the Thor casting department on your behalf!"
"good!"
"I think there are a few notebooks that I like. We can discuss them in detail after you sign the contract. I'm also inquiring about a GG endorsement deal. Although it's not a big brand, the price is reasonable and it can help you maintain exposure."
"You can arrange it!"
Chen Xun is still confident in Robert's professional abilities.
After hanging up the phone, Chen Xun looked out the window.
The sun is shining brightly!
Once you sign a brokerage contract, you're officially registered in this industry!